Few words in home ownership cause as much quiet anxiety as “termites.” They work out of sight, they feed on the wood that holds a house together, and the damage can be extensive before there is any visible sign. For that reason the termite business has developed its own vocabulary of inspections, treatments, warranties and bonds, and it is easy for a homeowner to be sold a product without understanding what it covers.
The truth is more manageable than the fear. Termites are a known, studied pest with well-established ways of finding and controlling them. What varies between companies is the method, the scope of coverage and the terms of the agreement. This guide explains how termite inspections work, what the main treatment approaches are and what the difference is between a repair bond and a retreatment guarantee, so that you understand what you are buying.
Read this if you have found mud tubes, swarming insects or damaged wood, or you are about to buy or sell a home and a termite report is on the table. You can skip it if your house is newly built with a manufacturer’s warranty on the soil treatment that you have confirmed in writing.
What termites are, in plain terms
Subterranean termites, the most common type in much of the United States, live in colonies in the soil and travel to wood through mud tubes. They need moisture and are most active in warm weather. Drywood termites live inside the wood they eat and are more common in certain coastal and southern regions. Other species exist in specific areas.
We do not identify pests from descriptions, and species matter for treatment. A licensed inspector should determine what you have and how extensive it is.
The inspection
A termite inspection is a visual check for signs of activity or damage. A thorough one covers the exterior, the foundation, the crawl space or basement, the attic and interior areas such as window frames, baseboards and door frames. The inspector looks for:
- Mud tubes on foundation walls or in crawl spaces.
- Damaged or hollow-sounding wood.
- Discarded wings near windows or doors.
- Moisture problems that make the house attractive to termites.
- Wood in contact with soil, such as porches, steps and fence posts.
- Evidence of previous treatment.
Inspections are often free or low-cost when offered by a company hoping to sell treatment, and they are also performed by independent inspectors who do not sell treatment. Home buyers frequently order a wood-destroying insect inspection as part of a purchase, and lenders may require one. Reports follow a standard form in many states.
Ask what the inspector will examine, what is inaccessible and what the report will say. Areas hidden behind finished walls or insulation cannot be fully assessed.
Treatment approaches
Liquid soil treatment
A liquid termiticide is applied to the soil around and beneath the foundation, creating a treated zone that termites must pass through. Trenching and drilling through slabs or porches may be needed to reach all areas. Some products repel termites and others are designed to be undetectable, so termites contact the treated soil without avoiding it.
Provides a continuous barrier when applied correctly, and has been used for many years. Effective against active infestations.
More invasive, as it may require drilling concrete. Effectiveness depends on correct application. Products and rules are regulated, and a licensed applicator must follow label instructions.
Baiting systems
Stations containing a slow-acting material are placed in the ground around the house. Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony. Stations are monitored regularly, often by the company, and the bait is replenished.
Less intrusive, with a lower volume of product applied. Targets the colony.
Slower to eliminate a colony, and requires ongoing monitoring. If monitoring lapses, protection lapses.
Wood treatments and local treatments
Borate or other treatments applied to exposed wood can protect it. Spot treatments address a limited area, such as a small drywood infestation. For drywood termites, whole-structure fumigation or heat treatments are sometimes used, each with their own preparations and constraints. These are significant undertakings, and a licensed professional must carry them out.
Four approaches side by side
| Approach | How it works | Typical monitoring | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid barrier | Treated soil zone around structure | Periodic inspection | More invasive installation |
| Bait stations | Colony eliminated through feeding | Regular station checks | Ongoing service required |
| Wood treatment | Protects treated wood | Inspection | Usually supplementary |
| Fumigation or heat | Treats whole structure for drywood | Post-treatment inspection | Preparation and temporary relocation |
Companies often combine methods. Neither barrier nor bait is universally better; the right choice depends on your house, the species and the contractor’s experience.
Bonds, warranties and guarantees
This is where many people become confused. After treatment, you may be offered a continuing agreement. The two main types are:
Retreatment guarantee
If termites are found again within the covered period, the company will re-treat at no extra charge. It does not pay for repairing damage.
Repair bond or damage warranty
The company agrees to cover the cost of repairing termite damage, up to a stated limit, during the coverage period. It is more comprehensive and usually costs more.
Both generally require an annual renewal fee and annual inspections. Both have exclusions. Typical limits include:
- A maximum payment per claim or over the life of the agreement.
- Exclusions for pre-existing damage.
- Conditions that you must maintain, such as keeping wood away from soil, repairing leaks and not disturbing the treated soil.
- Exclusions for certain structures such as decks, fences or outbuildings.
- A requirement to renew on time.
Read these carefully. A bond with a low cap and many exclusions provides less protection than it appears. We cannot interpret your specific contract; ask the company to explain each term, and ask a qualified attorney if there is a significant sum at stake.
Cost factors
Termite treatment and bond prices vary with house size, construction type, species, severity, and regional prices. Foundation type matters: slab, crawl space and basement homes require different techniques. Treatments that require drilling or trenching around finished surfaces cost more. We do not quote prices; request written quotes from more than one licensed company and compare scope, method and warranty terms.
Questions to ask before treatment
- What species did you find, and how did you identify it?
- How extensive is the activity, and where is it?
- What method do you recommend and why?
- What product will be used, and can I see the label?
- What is the warranty or bond, and what does it cover and exclude?
- What does annual renewal cost, and what does it include?
- What do I need to do to keep the warranty valid?
- Who will perform the work, and are they licensed?
Our guide to reading a pest control contract offers more detail on what to look for in the paperwork.
What you can do to make the house less attractive
Termites need moisture and access. Reducing both lowers risk, although it never reduces it to zero.
- Fix leaking gutters, downspouts, faucets and roof flashing.
- Direct water away from the foundation.
- Keep soil and mulch from touching siding and wood framing.
- Store firewood and lumber away from the house.
- Ventilate crawl spaces and manage humidity.
- Repair damaged wood and seal gaps where utilities enter.
Water management is as much a part of termite prevention as any treatment. Our guide to pest control plans explains how termite coverage fits with general pest service.
When you are buying or selling a home
A wood-destroying insect report is common in real estate transactions. Buyers should read it and ask about any previous treatment and transferable warranties. Sellers may offer an inspection or treatment as a negotiating point. Your real estate professional and attorney can advise on local practices and legal requirements.
The short version
Termite control is a combination of inspection, treatment and ongoing monitoring. Choose a licensed professional, understand the method used and read the warranty or bond closely. Know the difference between retreatment and repair coverage, ask about caps and exclusions and reduce moisture around the house. Fear is not a good basis for a contract, but information is.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a retreatment guarantee and a repair bond?
A retreatment guarantee promises to treat again if termites return. A repair bond also agrees to pay for repairs up to a stated limit. Read the cap and the exclusions.
Is baiting better than a liquid barrier?
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on the species, the foundation type and the contractor’s experience.
Do I need an annual inspection?
Most warranties require one to stay valid, so ask what the renewal costs and what it includes.
